Concerns raised over robocall ban

Legislation at the Capitol would ban the use of so-called robocalls for political purposes. However, Sue Armacost of Wisconsin Right to Life says the bill would violate their constitutional rights of free speech. She says it would prevent her group, and others like it, from fully taking part in the political process.

Armacost says the automated calls are a valuable tool for many citizen groups and they have a right to use them for political discourse. She says it's no different than the use of technologies such as e-mail.

No other states currently ban the use of robocalls or allow residents to opt out of them. Armacost says those who feel bothered by the calls have a choice when they pick up the phone. She says they can simply hang up if they don't want to hear the message.

Armacost says the bill is just an effort by incumbent politicians to prevent a public discussion of their legislative records.